On the occasion of the 78th Pakistan Day, a reception was held in Astana on 29 March 2018 at Rixos President Astana Hotel.
The event was attended by a large number of guests from all walks of life including Kazakh dignitaries, diplomatic corps as well as members of the Pakistani diaspora living in Astana Kazakhstan.
H.E. Yerzhan Ashikbayev, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, represented the Government Kazakhstan on the occasion.
In his remarks, the Ambassador recalled the historic struggle for Pakistan’s freedom and emphasized that the democratic ideals and values espoused in the Pakistan Resolution adopted on 23 March 1940 in Lahore guided the Muslims of the South Asian Sub-Continent to independence in 1947.
The Ambassador added that Pakistan, a democratic republic of 207 million people, had democratic institutions i.e. parliament, judiciary, and media along with civil society which were playing an important role for the development of Pakistan.
The Ambassador emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering commitment against terrorism and decisive operations by our valiant armed forces had produced peace in the country and mentioned that we desired peace and prosperity for Pakistan as well as stability in the region and beyond. Pakistan’s economy grew by 5.3% during last financial year and was expected to further grow this year.
The Ambassador conveyed our deep appreciation to Kazakhstan for its active role as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and especially as the President of UN Security Council in January this year.
Deputy Foreign Minister Yerzhan Ashikbayev congratulated people of Pakistan on the occasion of Pakistan Day. He said that Pakistan was an important partner for Kazakhstan in the region and they appreciated Pakistan’s role in international arena.
Deputy Foreign Minister underlined that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Pakistan cooperation in political, trade-economic, cultural-humanitarian and other spheres had been developing in the spirit of mutual trust and partnership.
Deputy Foreign Minister added that the Intergovernmental Commission on trade-economic, scientific-technical and cultural cooperation had been demonstrating successful results. In particular, the 8th session of the Commission held in November 2015 identified the main directions of bilateral cooperation in investment, transport, health, science and education areas. He said that the next meeting of the commission would take place soon.
On Mission’s request renowned Kazakh singers from Presidential Orchestra of Kazakhstan, Ms. Aizat Karabekova and Mr. Asylkhan Shalkarov sang Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan, Dil Dil Pakistan and songs in Kazakh language. These cultural performances were applauded by all the guests.